Tour de Palm Springs

[kerryhb]

Is anyone doing the Tour de Palm Springs on Feb 14? I am doing the 55 mile and my husband is doing the century.

[Fredwina]

i'm on the fence - depends on what kind of shape and what bike I want to take(and how good I can ride it:o)

[Aint Doody]

Hmmmmmmmmmm my inlaws are in Palm Springs for the winter and have been asking my husband and me to come down for a few days. I'll let you know if I go.

[bikerHen]

It's about time you So Cal girls got on the ball and started talking about this ride. We'll be visiting the in-laws over the hill from Palm Springs and I've been signed-up since December. :D

Hey Aint Doody, I think you should go to. We can be the TE Pacific Northwest representatives. You can wear your POW jersey and I'll wear my WOW jersey. I'm signed up to do the 55 miler. I hope I'll be in good enough shape. I haven't had a chance to do much riding. Only 81 miles logged for the year. :eek:

So who else is going? bikerHen

[Fredwina]

I should be there - but i'm still debating what to do and what to take - since it'll probably my first second ride on my new 'bent:D
Probably one of the shorter one - no century this year:(

[Aint Doody]

Bikerhen!! I'm going. And I will do the 55 miler, too. I decided I could happily visit the in-laws if I got to go on a ride. We get in on 2/11 and leave 2/15. Hey, maybe we can get a 25 mile practise ride in or something on the 12th or 13th! I'm excited. I'm taking my Bike Friday on its first plane ride. We are staying right downtown in Palm Springs at the Worldmark on Palm Canyon Dr. Yep, we'll be the Northwest TE'ers for sure.

And the 55 mi. route doesn't look too bad. I'll be in the same shape--only been able to ride my rollers. I'd better start adding some miles on it. We'll have fun. Come on other TE'ers!!!

[Jones]

I'm not riding, but my daughter and I will be doing check-in Friday 3-5 or so, she doesn't get out of school until 3 so I am sure we will be late, anyhow stop by and say hi. If you are looking for a local charity for your registration fee to go to I have to recommend the Piranha swim team. If you are in town early I would love to go on a ride Thursday or Friday but I work nights so don't get up until 10ish. Jones

[bikerHen]

DH and I are staying with the inlaws in Hemet. About an hours drive away. We're leaving Spokane the 8th and planning to be in Hemet the 10th or 11th. I would definitely be up for a ride. Let's talk. Jones, a morning ride after 10am sounds good. Us northern girls could use a guide. I might even be able to talk my husband into joining us. bikerHen

[Fredwina]

I have the 13 off as well. I also live about and hour away (In Rancho Cucamonga).
The only issue is that right now, I have a stylist's appointment at 10am, otherwise it would work out, as on Saturday, I'll be probably be busy hanging out my "real life " buddies(scurries over to check Motel6.com for cheap room)

[Aint Doody]

Oh, yes! A ride on Thurs or Fri after 10 sounds great! Jones, could you just sorta plan it and tell us where to meet? Another cyclist I know is going, too, and here's a link to his blog from last year's ride. Oh, boy! I'm really getting excited now.

http://www.calnan-web.com/weblog/2008/02/11/tour-de-palm-springs-2/

[bikerHen]

Jones, I'm willing to put myself into your hands too. :p bikerHen

[LilBolt]

Aint Doody...I sent John the link to your post yesterday. I'm glad you two touched base, and hope you both have a great ride. Note...he also posted a CROC 2009 update to his blog.

[Aint Doody]

Thanks, Lil! John's a great guy. you should go to Palm Springs, too. Sounds like we might have a good group. Jones, make us a plan!!! I saw that Fujichants is doing the tour, too. We could have a TE ride before the tour. BikerHen, I can't wait to see you.

Susan

[LilBolt]

I'd really love to head to the SoCal sunshine, but a business trip has dashed whatever hopes I had to give in to my spontaneous whims. Just make sure John & Teri pack up and head back North....I know they have been more than tempted to return to California permanently. I'd hate to lose them from the PNW. I hope you have a good turnout for a TE ride.

[bikerHen]

Just make sure John & Teri pack up and head back North....I know they have been more than tempted to return to California permanently. I'd hate to lose them from the PNW. I hope you have a good turnout for a TE ride.

ICK! It's been 20 years since we left So. Cal. :D I can't think of any reason why I'd move back. Well maybe year round cycling. But, a visit every couple of years is all I need to remind me why we left in the first place.

Aint Doody, it will be good to see you again too. Now I won't be the only one reflecting the sun with my PNW tan. :eek: Can't wait to be warm and outside at the same time. Just hope it's not too hot or I might wilt. My FIL said it's been in the 80's. Quite the jump from our teens and twentys. bikerHen

[Jones]

It is not year round cycling for me! Way too hot in the summer. How long of a ride are we looking at? I need some feed back before I make a plan I don't want to plan on doing the Tram Road if no one wants to do hills and also I am not able to climb like that, maybe some day.:rolleyes: So how long of a ride?
Jones

[Fujichants]

I signed up for the century, but due to my lack of training, i'll probably ride the 55 miler...or the 65 mile one (that's when you change your mind and loop back).

[bikerHen]

I vote for no Tram Rd., I've been up that road. :eek: Maybe just a gentle incline or two. I was thinking about 20 miles or so. My DH said he'll ride too if we don't go more than 25 miles. He hasn't ridden since October. Overall I'm think an easy(ish) ride. I don't want to be all worn out for the main event. bikerHen

[Jones]

So a loop around town to see the Elvis honeymoon hideaway and the homes of other dead celebrity's and then a loop around the canyons to loosen up everyones legs. We could ride into "Indian Canyons" it is very pretty but it is sacred Indian land and cost $8 to go past the guard gate. Yes? No? Jones.

[Aint Doody]

Jones! That sounds great to me, too. I agree w/ bikerHen that we just want an easy-ish ride. I may get some fake tan for my legs before we go for my legs that haven't been seen since early October. I'm really gettin' 'cited now!!!

[Jones]

Just an FYI, it can get cold here. It is not unusual for the overnight temps to be in the 40's and the days to be in the 80's. So pack accordingly and remember sunblock, especially for the ride.
I will work on a route that goes through town and and shows off the celebrity homes of Palm Springs and finer architecture of the mid-century. It will sound something like this, "someone famous lived there, someone famous built that":D
I think the best place to meet is Sunrise Park were you will sign in for the tour. There is amble parking, bathrooms and when we get back you can register for your ride.
Jones

[Jones]

Oh and biker Hen if you bring your DH I will bring my DH.

[bikerHen]

Just an FYI, it can get cold here. It is not unusual for the overnight temps to be in the 40's and the days to be in the 80's. So pack accordingly and remember sunblock, especially for the ride.

I know it does get nippy there . . . but I have to laugh. :D I haven't have a ride in temperatures above 20 degrees for two months! Actually I'm hoping for cooler weather for this ride. I'm a happy camper at about 50 degrees. If it hits anything over 70 degrees I might have a heat stroke. :eek: I am definitely all over the sun screen! We've hardly seen the sun since the first of the year. Aint Doody, you better bring a BIG can of fake tan to share!

It sounds like a perfect pre-ride ride. I take it we are doing this on Friday, gulp, the thirteenth? Can my cousin come along too. He's doing the ride on Saturday and might want to join us. bikerHen

[Jones]

My daughters told me they have their school walkathon and I can't remember when it is, but I think it might be on the Friday so let me find out this afternoon and let you guys know.
Biker Hen feel free to bring your cousin.
Jones

[Aint Doody]

This sounds just great. So after Jones gives us the appropriate day, will we meet at 10 at the park? or 10:30? My dh and inlaws might just come by to wave at us, but none of them would even dream of hopping on a bicycle.

[Jones]

The walkathon is this Friday so Thursday or Friday for the TE ride? Both are good for me.
Jones

[Aint Doody]

Maybe since bikerHen has to travel the furthest, she should decide. And what time to meet??? I'm really looking forward to this.

[Fredwina]

I was thinking about doing this(the TE ride vs the Tour de Palm Springs, but can only do friday.
PS> don't sweat it too much if Thursday works better for everyone else, I may be pushing it to do everything I've got on the schedule for that friday (which is what usually happens on my day off.)

[bikerHen]

Friday would work better for us. Anytime, mid to late morning is fine. Just tell us where to show up and when and we'll be there. :p

Can you local's give me the low down on the bike expo that goes along with the ride? My DH wants to know more about it. When, where and is it worth going to? Should I bring more money? :eek: Thanks! bikerHen

[Ninabike]

Can you local's give me the low down on the bike expo that goes along with the ride? My DH wants to know more about it. When, where and is it worth going to? Should I bring more money? :eek: Thanks! bikerHen[/QUOTE]

Hi Ladies, I've been lurking on this thread because I was so wishing I could do this ride. Problem: I have been off my bike since October due to various orthopaedic issues, etc. Re: BikerHen's question about the expo., mostly jerseys and other clothing - nothing really spectacular - some tire exhibitors, bike and chain cleaning equipment, etc. However, the best exhibitor I saw several years ago was Precision Sport Eyewear - the best sunglasses I have found, and I have been ordering from them ever since. Their prices are in the $20 to $30 range and you can try on all the styles and sizes. Of course, I don't know if that exhibitor will be there this year.

Anyway, I wish I could join you a meet all of you. Sounds like you will have a great time!!

[Aint Doody]

Sounds like Friday it is! What time, what time? I'm gonna say 10:30 at that park unless somebody else thinks another time would be better. Yahoo!! And this means that Fredwina can go, too. Come on, Ninabike; you can do it. I don't think this is gonna be a hammerfest.

[Ninabike]

Aint Doody, I'm so tempted!! I would love to join you guys for the Friday ride. Right now my right wrist is in a brace; had cortizone injection, etc. If I can make it, I would drive down early Friday A.M. I have something going on Thurs. evening and wouldn't get home on Thurs. till about 11:00 p.m. I'll let you all know. Sounds so exciting!!

[Aint Doody]

Ouch, ouch, ouch!! I hope it'll be OK. Can you come for a possible beer or wine or some such afterward?

[Jones]

I was thinking more like a slow ramble. If it turns into a hammer fest I will be the first one dropped.:eek:
So Friday the 13th @ 10:30, Sunrise Park, this is were the expo is so I will find a more specific place at the Park to meet.

[Ninabike]

Beer?, wine? Yes, Yes, Yes !! I could do a slow ramble with my wrist brace on.

[bikerHen]

Slow ramble sounds perfect. My DH will be very happy with those words. Beer and wine and such afterwards perks me up too. Although I'm more of a long island ice tea kind of gal :rolleyes:

Looks like I'll be spending the night in Palms Springs. My cousins' got a room at the Motel 6 with an extra bed so I'll be bunking with him. Save me getting up at the crack of dawn to drive over from Hemet.

Ninabike, it would be great if you could join us! The more the merrier. bikerHen

[Fredwina]

I'll have a new bike, so a slow ramble sounds perfect:)

[Aint Doody]

Fredwina, Jones, Ninabike, and bikerHen--I'm going to pm y'all with my cell phone number. I understanding that we'll meet Fri. the 13th at 10:30 at Sunrise Park. Anybody else want to join us?

Susan

[Jones]

I understanding that we'll meet Fri. the 13th at 10:30 at Sunrise Park.
Susan

In front of the mural on the south side of the parking lot.
Does anyone want to, or absolutely not want to go into Palm Canyons? It cost $8.oo a person whether in a car or on a bike, it's 2.5 miles slightly up hill with a steepish up hill at the end. There is a trading post at the top were you can buy drinks and Indian stuff. Anyway with or with out the canyons the ride should be fun. I do have to recommend going there to hike or ride if you get the chance.
I will PM ever one my numbers also.
Jones

[Aint Doody]

That sounds great to me.

[Ninabike]

Anything sounds good to me. Can't wait to meet all of you!!

[Fredwina]

That's fine

[bikerHen]

Hi All,

Well we are on the road. Aint Doody did you hear me yelled HI! as we drove through Pendleton this afternoon? :D We're in Ontario, OR tonight. Hope we get far enough south tomorrow to get out of the snow that's coming.

I've got everyone's numbers. We plan to be there. I'll give Jones a call if something comes up. bikerHen

[Aint Doody]

BikerHen, was that you??? The fog was so thick that I couldn't see who it was!! We leave Wed. I can hardly wait to get out of this gloom. We'll be blinding y'all with our white legs.

Susan

[Jones]

Today in Palm Springs it is raining. I LOVE the rain. Fridays temp. is suppose to be 65 and cloudy and Saturday 59 with sprinkles.
For those of you staying in town "The Steakhouse" at "The Spa" casino has a three course meal for two for $50.00. Sunday through Thursday. I believe they say it is a $126.00 value so a fairly good deal and I hear the food there is pretty good.
Have a safe trip bikerHen.
Jones

[Jones]

I thought registration was at Sunrise Park it's not, it's at the convention center. I am still planning to start our ride from sunrise park off of Pavilion way. The library, baseball stadium, pool and PS Pavilion are all in the Park (I mention this only to help with directions.) We are meeting in the parking lot by the Pavilion near the mural. Call if you have any questions.
I hope this is OK, we can ride by the convention center to register if you want. Hope to see you all tomorrow. Jones

[Fredwina]

Myself, Aint Doody (on Bike friday) Jones, and friend of Jones (te name to be determined)
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/SZYqJcADmZI/AAAAAAAAAj0/TNACq7S5oJ8/s640/100_0298.jpg
the house we were at:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/SZYqL9I4Z-I/AAAAAAAAAj8/SWAOMXuDsZk/s640/100_0299.jpg
Pee wee Hermans house is for sale:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/SZYqTFncbhI/AAAAAAAAAkU/Dk23M9rrGD8/s640/100_0302.jpg
at the Art museum
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/SZYqRcY6Y8I/AAAAAAAAAkM/R0A9LS_oUE0/s640/100_0301.jpg

[Fredwina]

before the ride:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/SZYqFcoFj_I/AAAAAAAAAjk/tdr2zs10FbM/s640/100_0296.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/SZYqHfQRX2I/AAAAAAAAAjs/djYuQyuIcyk/s640/100_0297.jpg
getting ready to go home:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/SZYqVH2q1gI/AAAAAAAAAkk/Cw4h96UHfFg/s640/100_0303.jpg
gee, maybe I should buy a van :o

[Fredwina]

I was debating going in to work as it raining here. Had to laugh - it stopped raining at Fontana, picked up at Rialto, and stopped again at San Berdoo.
Got to the park, went to the loo, and could not find any body, I took off for a tour of the park.
Somebody asked me if I was looking for Jones, so I followed him. We waited for Biker Hen, decided that she wasn't going to show.
We did a tour of Stars home. it was fun. the only problem was my seat was slipping (remember riding around and think those pedals were getting further away:o)
We didn't do Indian Canyon, as a couple of us had to get back., but we had 15 miles of fun!
P.s. - i'm doing a 'bent ride in Van Nuys tomorrow instead of TDPS. Need to practice more

[Aint Doody]

Well, it was sooooo much fun. Jones (aka Linda) was a wonderful tour director. Thank you so much, Linda. We saw lotsa famous people's homes--mostly the dead ones! And, Jones, you were right. I typed my cell number in wrong. We did miss bikerHen. I hope all is OK there. And I didn't realize that Fredwina had taken so many pictures. Can I get them somehow? How great that Team Estrogen was able for us to meet and get to be friends. Yay, TE!! Now I gotta go to bed so I can do the Tour tomorrow.

[Fredwina]

I made the album public in picasa let me know and i'll forward the one you want or upload the schmeil to Photobucket:)

[Jones]

Great pictures Fred, but man do I need to lose weight. It was wonderful meeting both of you and ain't dootys friend John. I hope everyone has a great ride tomorrow and the weather holds out for you. Please let me know how your rides go.
I'm hoping that my friend will get a road bike and than she and I can go really ride. She is game for anything though. Maybe I can even get her to sign up here.
Jones

[LilBolt]

Looks like a great day in 'The Springs'. I love the architecture in the area. Also, good to see that Dr. John joined you. He is one of my favorite people to ride with...and he is the boyscout of cyclists (always prepared). Hope the Tour is fun & safe for everyone today.

[Fredwina]

Jones,
we're in the same boat about being "extra-fluffy" ;) I did gain some wight during my "involuntary hiatus", though.

[Aint Doody]

The Tour was just great. We started out in a strong headwind, but then we turned and headed downhill with a fantastic tail wind! I had a wonderful time. At the last SAG stop I ran into bikerHen (Lisa). She'd spent a bunch of time wandering around the park looking for us. When she finally found the mural, we'd all left. She had my incorrect cell number and Jones' phone wouldn't accept her call! But she and I had a good visit. Right now I'm one tired ole girl. But I have one question for those of you who live in S. Cal. When somebody (me) yells out, "Car back!" What do the cyclists down here think that means???? Stay in the middle of the road and hope you don't get mowed down? I did see an awful lot of that. Those types really give the rest of us a bad rep. I'll get off my soapbox now and just say again that I really enjoyed the ride. The best part was at the end riding through the balloon arch with the band playing and the cheerleaders yelling. It was very exciting. And Lil--you're so right. John is a peach!

Oh, Fredwina, I'd like a copy of the group picture. Thanks!!!

[bikerHen]

Dang! Sorry we miss everyone for the Friday ride. We were all over that darn park. I did see your car Fredwina. We finally found the mural, must have just missed you. DH and I had a good ride anyway. We went to a local bike store, got a map and rode out to Indian Canyon. Thought we might run into you but no luck.

The ride was GREAT! I think I was the only one riding in a sleevless jersey and shorts. At least I didn't see anyone else. :rolleyes: The weather, for me, was perfect. The route was beautiful, the wind a little sucky, but at least when we turned it became an awesome tailwind. And I enjoyed the ultimate combination of riding. A long downhill, with rollers and a tailwind. I could have done that all day! :D I was so happy I found Aint Doody. Gotta love the crowd at the porti potties. Best place to find someone.

All in all a super day. May have to do it again next year. bikerHen

[Jones]

bikerHen-
I am bummed we missed you. I'm glad you had a good ride anyway, too bad you didn't tell the bike shop, they know how to get a hold of me. I wonder why your call wasn't accepted by my phone?? i am going to have to call Sprint. Has anyone else ever heard of this?
As for the "car back" thing that is the terminology we use here. I don't know why no one moves but I have seen the same thing on other rides.
Jones

[Aint Doody]

Here's a picture of bikerHen and me at the finish. What a great day! Lisa/bikerHen is on the left; I'm on the right.